The illumination module for emitting light (5) can operate in at least two different modes, wherein in each of the modes, the emitted light (5) has a different light distribution. The module has a mode selector (10) for selecting the mode in which the module operates, and it has an optical arrangement. The arrangement includes—a microlens array (LL1) with a multitude of transmissive or reflective microlenses (2) which are regularly arranged at a lens pitch P (P1);—an illuminating unit for illuminating the microlens array (LL1). The illuminating unit includes a first array of light sources (S1) operable to emit light of a first wavelength L1 each and having an aperture each. The apertures are located in a common emission plane which is located at a distance D (D1) from the microlens array (LL1). In a first one of the modes, for the lens pitch P, the distance D and the wavelength L1 applies P2=2·L1·D/N wherein N is an integer with N≥1.
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2. The module according to claim 1, wherein the mode selector comprises an actuator for changing a relative orientation in space of the microlens array with respect to the illuminating unit.
A modular optical system includes a microlens array and an illuminating unit configured to direct light through the microlens array to form a structured light pattern. The system further includes a mode selector that adjusts the relative spatial orientation of the microlens array with respect to the illuminating unit. The mode selector comprises an actuator that physically repositions the microlens array to alter the angle or alignment between the microlens array and the illuminating unit. This adjustment modifies the structured light pattern generated by the system, enabling dynamic control over the pattern's properties, such as intensity distribution, focal length, or beam divergence. The actuator may include mechanical, piezoelectric, or electromagnetic components to achieve precise and repeatable positioning. This configuration allows the system to adapt to different imaging or sensing applications by changing the light pattern without replacing or reconfiguring the microlens array or illuminating unit. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring variable structured light patterns, such as 3D imaging, optical metrology, or adaptive illumination systems.
3. The module according to claim 1, wherein the mode selector comprises an actuator for changing the distance D.
4. The module according to claim 1, wherein the mode selector comprises an actuator for changing a rotational orientation about an axis perpendicular to the common emission plane of the microlens array with respect to first array of light sources.
This invention relates to optical systems, specifically modular light projection systems with adjustable beam patterns. The problem addressed is the need for compact, reconfigurable light sources that can dynamically alter their emission characteristics without complex mechanical adjustments. The system includes a microlens array aligned with a first array of light sources, where each microlens focuses light from a corresponding light source into a common emission plane. A mode selector mechanism allows switching between different operational modes by adjusting the relative orientation of the microlens array and the light source array. In this specific embodiment, the mode selector includes an actuator that rotates the microlens array about an axis perpendicular to the common emission plane. This rotation changes the angular distribution of emitted light, enabling dynamic beam shaping without moving individual light sources or lenses. The actuator may be motorized or manually operated, providing precise control over the emission pattern. This design enables applications in adaptive lighting, display systems, and optical communication where beam directionality must be adjusted without significant structural changes. The modular approach allows integration into various devices while maintaining compactness and efficiency.
5. The module according to claim 1, wherein the illuminating unit comprises a second array of light sources operable to emit light each and having an aperture each, and wherein the mode selector comprises a control unit for controlling a ratio of an intensity of light emitted from the first array of light sources and an intensity of light emitted from the second array of light sources.
This invention relates to an optical module designed for controlling light emission in imaging or display systems. The module addresses the challenge of dynamically adjusting light intensity from multiple light sources to optimize performance, such as improving contrast, reducing power consumption, or enhancing image quality. The module includes a first array of light sources, each with an aperture, and a second array of light sources, also with individual apertures. A mode selector, integrated with a control unit, regulates the intensity ratio between light emitted from the first and second arrays. This allows for precise control over the combined light output, enabling adaptive brightness adjustments or selective illumination patterns. The control unit may adjust the intensity of each array independently, ensuring flexibility in light distribution and intensity modulation. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring variable light emission, such as adaptive lighting systems, high-dynamic-range displays, or imaging devices where controlled illumination enhances functionality. By dynamically balancing the light output from the two arrays, the module can achieve finer control over illumination characteristics, improving overall system performance.
6. The module according to claim 5, wherein the control unit is operable to have the light sources of the first array switched on and to have the light sources of the second array switched off in the first one of the modes, and to have the light sources of the second array switched on in a second one of the modes.
This invention relates to a lighting module with multiple arrays of light sources, designed to provide adjustable lighting configurations. The module includes at least two arrays of light sources, each array containing multiple light sources. A control unit is connected to the arrays and is configured to independently control the activation of each array. In a first operating mode, the control unit activates the light sources in the first array while keeping the light sources in the second array deactivated. In a second operating mode, the control unit activates the light sources in the second array. The module may also include additional components, such as a housing or mounting structure, to support the arrays and control unit. The invention allows for flexible lighting adjustments by selectively enabling or disabling different arrays of light sources, which can be useful in applications requiring variable lighting conditions, such as automotive headlights, architectural lighting, or display systems. The control unit may also include logic to switch between modes automatically or based on user input, ensuring adaptability to different lighting needs.
7. The module according to claim 5, wherein the light sources of the second array are operable to emit light of a second wavelength L2 each, wherein the second wavelength L2 is different from the first wavelengh L1.
This invention relates to a lighting module with multiple arrays of light sources for generating light of different wavelengths. The module includes a first array of light sources that emit light of a first wavelength L1 and a second array of light sources that emit light of a second wavelength L2, where L2 is different from L1. The module is designed to control the light sources in the second array to emit light in a pulsed manner, with each pulse having a duration that is shorter than a predetermined threshold. This pulsed operation allows for precise control over the light output while minimizing power consumption and heat generation. The module may also include a controller that regulates the operation of the light sources in both arrays to achieve desired lighting effects, such as color mixing or dynamic lighting patterns. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision lighting, such as medical imaging, display technologies, or specialized industrial processes where different wavelengths of light are needed for specific tasks. The use of pulsed light emission in the second array ensures efficient energy use and reduces thermal stress on the light sources, extending their operational lifespan.
9. The module according to claim 5, wherein the second array of light sources is arranged aside the first array of light sources.
This invention relates to lighting systems, specifically modular lighting systems with multiple arrays of light sources. The problem addressed is optimizing the arrangement of light sources to improve illumination uniformity, efficiency, and design flexibility. The invention describes a lighting module featuring at least two arrays of light sources, where the second array is positioned adjacent to the first array. This arrangement allows for enhanced light distribution, reducing shadows and hotspots while maintaining a compact form factor. The module may include additional components such as reflectors, diffusers, or optical elements to further refine light output. The adjacent placement of the arrays enables modular scalability, allowing multiple modules to be combined for larger lighting applications. The system can be used in various settings, including architectural, industrial, or automotive lighting, where precise control over light distribution is required. The invention improves upon existing solutions by providing a more flexible and efficient way to arrange multiple light sources within a single module, addressing limitations in traditional lighting designs where light sources are either too concentrated or too dispersed.
10. The module according to claim 5, wherein the first and the second arrays of light sources are mutually superimposed arrays of light sources.
This invention relates to a lighting module with superimposed arrays of light sources. The module addresses the challenge of achieving uniform and high-density illumination in a compact form factor, particularly for applications requiring precise light distribution, such as displays, medical imaging, or advanced lighting systems. The module includes a first array of light sources and a second array of light sources, where the two arrays are mutually superimposed. Superimposition means that the light sources of the first array are interspersed or aligned with the light sources of the second array in a way that optimizes light output and minimizes gaps. This arrangement enhances light uniformity and density by reducing the distance between adjacent light sources, which is critical for applications requiring high-resolution illumination. The superimposed arrays may be arranged in a grid or other patterned configuration, depending on the application. The light sources can be light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, or other solid-state emitters. The module may also include control circuitry to independently or collectively regulate the intensity, color, or timing of the light sources in each array. This allows for dynamic adjustments to meet specific illumination requirements, such as brightness levels or color temperature. By superimposing the arrays, the module achieves a higher effective light source density without increasing the physical footprint, making it suitable for space-constrained environments. The design also improves thermal management by distributing heat more evenly across the module. This invention is particularly useful in applications where precise, high-density lighting is essential, such as in high-resolution displays, medical imaging devices, or advan
11. The module according to claim 1, wherein in each of the modes, the emitted light has a different light distribution, and wherein the light distribution in a second one of the modes is more diffuse than the light distribution in the first one of the modes.
This invention relates to a lighting module designed to adjust light distribution dynamically. The module operates in multiple modes, each producing a distinct light distribution pattern. In a first mode, the emitted light is directed or focused, while in a second mode, the light is more diffuse, spreading over a wider area. The module may include a light source, such as an LED, and optical elements like lenses or reflectors to modify the light distribution. The optical elements can be adjustable or fixed, depending on the design. The module may also incorporate control circuitry to switch between modes, either automatically or manually. This adaptability allows the lighting module to be used in various applications, such as automotive headlights, where different lighting patterns are needed for tasks like high-beam and low-beam functions. The invention addresses the need for versatile lighting solutions that can efficiently adapt to different environmental or operational conditions without requiring multiple separate lighting systems.
12. An apparatus for optically determining distances, the apparatus comprising an illumination module according to claim 1 and an image sensor for detecting light reflected from a scene illuminated by light emitted from the illumination module.
This apparatus is designed for optical distance measurement, addressing the need for accurate depth sensing in applications such as robotics, autonomous navigation, and 3D imaging. The system includes an illumination module that emits structured light patterns or modulated light to illuminate a scene, and an image sensor that captures the reflected light. The illumination module generates controlled light emissions, such as pulsed or patterned light, to enable precise distance calculations based on time-of-flight or triangulation principles. The image sensor detects the reflected light, and the apparatus processes the captured data to determine distances to objects within the scene. By analyzing the phase shift, time delay, or distortion of the reflected light, the system calculates depth information with high resolution. This approach improves accuracy over traditional methods by minimizing ambient light interference and enhancing signal-to-noise ratio. The apparatus is particularly useful in dynamic environments where real-time distance measurements are required.
15. The module according to claim 14, wherein the light emitted from each of the one or more light sources propagates from the respective aperture to the microlens array along a light path, wherein at least a portion of the light path is running through a material having a refractive index different from 1.
16. The module according to claim 14, wherein the module comprises at least one reflective element, and wherein the light emitted from each of the one or more light sources propagates from the respective aperture to the microlens array along a light path along which it is reflected at least once by the at least one reflective element.
This invention relates to optical modules, specifically those used in imaging or projection systems where precise light control is required. The problem addressed is efficiently directing light from multiple sources through a microlens array while minimizing optical losses and maintaining compact module dimensions. The module includes one or more light sources, each emitting light through an aperture. A microlens array is positioned to receive and focus the emitted light. To optimize the optical path, the module incorporates at least one reflective element that redirects the light at least once as it travels from the aperture to the microlens array. This reflection ensures the light follows a controlled path, reducing the module's footprint and improving light utilization efficiency. The reflective element may be a mirror or other reflective surface strategically placed to fold the optical path, allowing the module to maintain a compact form while directing light accurately to the microlens array. This design is particularly useful in applications where space constraints and high optical performance are critical, such as in miniature imaging systems or projection devices.
17. The module according to claim 14, wherein the one or more light sources comprise an array of light sources.
18. The module according to claim 14, wherein in the first mode, each of the one or more light sources is arranged to illuminate a respective subset of the multitude of microlenses, and each of the subsets includes a plurality of neighboring microlenses, such that light from each particular one of the one or more light sources passes through different ones of the microlenses in the respective subset so as to produce an interference pattern.
This invention relates to a module for generating interference patterns using light sources and microlenses. The problem addressed is the need for precise control over light distribution to create interference patterns, which is useful in applications like optical sensing, imaging, and holography. The module includes one or more light sources and a multitude of microlenses arranged in an array. In a first operational mode, each light source illuminates a distinct subset of neighboring microlenses. Light from each source passes through different microlenses in its assigned subset, producing an interference pattern due to the phase differences introduced by the microlenses. The arrangement ensures that light from different sources interacts in a controlled manner, enabling the generation of complex interference patterns. The module may also include a controller to adjust the light sources or microlenses dynamically, allowing for real-time pattern modification. This design improves the flexibility and precision of interference pattern generation compared to traditional methods that rely on fixed optical setups. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring high-resolution optical measurements or dynamic pattern adjustments.
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January 24, 2017
November 29, 2022
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